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Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of the Indian state ofTamil Nadu. The fourth largest city in India Chennai is the seat of culture and learning in South India. The city is Indias second largest exporter of software information technology (IT) and information-technology-enabled services (ITES). Chennai is an important centre for Carnatic Music and hosts a large cultural event the annual Madras Music Season which includes performances by hundreds of artists. The city has a vibrant theatre scene and is an important centre for the Bharatanatyam a classical dance form. The Tamil film industry one of the largest film industries in India is based in the city; the soundtracks of the films dominate its music scene. The 15th century saw the arrival of the Portuguese at Madras followed by the Dutch and then the British. In 1639 the site of Madraspatnam was chosen as the place to settle in by the East India Company. The town of George Town with the fort of St. George became their stronghold. In fact it was granted its first municipal charter in 1688 which makes it the oldest municipal corporation in India.
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